Complex You

Whether people realize it or not, we are all part of many different groups that make us who we are, and have shaped us all of our lives. Friends, family, activities, and race are all examples of the groups that people are a part of, and most likely don't even realize. These groups don't necessarily define us, but they all influence who we are and who we become. People and things that we are constantly surrounded by will naturally end up shaping, or affecting, us whether it be positively or negatively. One group that I feel has shaped me the most is Judaism.  My friends might change and in the future I may switch clubs or sports, but I will be Jewish for as long as I live. Living in this community and going to Stevenson, I am surrounded by other Jewish people, and many of my friends are Jewish as well. Regardless of how often I go to temple or how often I pray, I am still Jewish and believe in everything that I have been taught from my religion. Personally, I have never faced any major conflicts in this group, but my sister has. When she first entered the University of Iowa as a freshman, her roommate, who is from Iowa, could count the number of Jews she had met before on one hand. Her roommate was accepting, but just couldn't understand why our family doesn't have a Christmas tree, or grasp the concept that we don't go to Church. I feel that it is my responsibility to stand by my religion and make sure others understand and accept it for as long as I live. This relates back to sociological mindfulness because all people should try to understand the beliefs and ways of those around them to create a world full of empathy and allow people to be enlightened.